Exploring John Lennon’s One To One Concerts

Nervous Energy and Unique Collaborations

During the One To One concerts, John Lennon exhibited a distinctive nervous energy that complemented the sleazy boogie of Elephant’s Memory, a New York City band notable for its role in the soundtrack of Midnight Cowboy. As the backing band for the concert, Elephant’s Memory brought a unique flavor to the performance; however, their laid-back style necessitated the presence of drummer Jim Keltner, whose contribution infused the show with a serious, heavy swing.

Power to the People: A Rock’n’Roll Revival

Frontloading Power to the People with the One To One performances—alongside a hybrid highlights disc—showcases how Lennon spent the early ’70s immersed in the joy of classic rock’n’roll. Even in moments of improvisational creativity with Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention, the core of their music remained anchored in basic three-chord progressions. Most of the songs penned by Lennon and Yoko Ono during this era exhibit a deliberate simplicity: “Sisters, O Sisters” resonates as an energizing girl group tribute, while tracks like “Attica State” and “John Sinclair” follow straightforward blues structures. “The Luck of the Irish” takes on a folk ballad form, and “New York City” bursts forth as a high-octane Chuck Berry-inspired boogie.

The Notable Absence of a Feminist Anthem

Interestingly, one significant song from this period is conspicuously absent: “Woman is the N***** of the World.” This ambitious wall-of-sound homage was intended as an anthem of feminist solidarity, drawing inspiration from a slogan likely adapted by Yoko Ono from Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. The exclusion of this track from the box set—despite its selection as the single for Some Time—shifts the narrative focus toward Lennon’s ongoing return to the explosive energy of 1950s rock’n’roll during this tumultuous period. Left to his own devices, Lennon indulges in nostalgic covers, evident in the concluding “Home Jam,” where he casually strums tunes by the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. Similarly, the “Studio Jam” disc finds Lennon leading his band through rockers from Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. These informal jam sessions, while occasionally loose, radiate charm, capturing one of rock’s greatest vocalists in an unfiltered moment.

Lennon’s Public Persona and Political Engagement

The two discs of informal jams serve as an ideal culmination for Power to the People, encapsulating an era when Lennon was acutely conscious of his performance persona. This period marked his return to live shows following the Beatles’ breakup, while he and Ono became omnipresent figures in 1971 and 1972. Their activism led them to Ann Arbor for a rally to free John Sinclair, where they strummed songs with Phil Ochs in hotel rooms and made multiple television appearances, including a notable performance on the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy telethon. A vibrant reggae-infused rendition of “Give Peace a Chance,” featuring Lewis in the onstage chorus, exemplifies the peculiar intersection of Lennon’s political engagement and celebrity status. Even as he delved into the leftist underground, Lennon maintained his position as one of the world’s most famous individuals, leveraging mainstream platforms to advocate for change. This intriguing dissonance remains captivating long after the headlines have faded.

Conclusion

The One To One concerts and the subsequent releases highlight a pivotal moment in John Lennon’s career, showcasing both his musical evolution and his commitment to political activism. Through the lens of these performances, listeners can appreciate not only the charm and raw energy of Lennon’s rock’n’roll roots but also the profound impact of his artistic expression during a time of societal upheaval. These recordings serve as a testament to Lennon’s enduring legacy as a musician driven by both passion and purpose.

FAQs

What were the One To One concerts?

The One To One concerts were a series of performances by John Lennon in 1972, where he showcased his music alongside activism, featuring the band Elephant’s Memory as his backing group.

Why is “Woman is the N***** of the World” significant?

This song was intended as an anthem of feminist solidarity and is notable for its bold message. Its absence from the recent box set highlights a shift in focus toward Lennon’s rock’n’roll influences.

Who was Elephant’s Memory?

Elephant’s Memory was a local New York City band known for their contributions to various soundtracks, including Midnight Cowboy, and served as Lennon’s backing band during the One To One concerts.

What themes are prevalent in Lennon’s music from this period?

Lennon’s music during the early ’70s often emphasized simplicity, nostalgia for rock’n’roll, and a blend of political and social commentary, reflecting his personal and artistic journey during a turbulent time.